Escape to Paradise: Royal Palms Resort & Spa Phoenix Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Let's See About That: Royal Palms Resort & Spa Phoenix - A Review (With a Side of Reality)
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise: Royal Palms Resort & Spa Phoenix Awaits!" That's what the marketing says, right? Well, after a recent stay, I'm here to spill the beans and give you the real lowdown. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is going to be less perfectly polished and more… honestly, me.
(SEO & Metadata Snippet: Royal Palms Resort Phoenix Review, Accessibility, Spa, Dining, COVID-19 Safety, Wheelchair Accessible, Luxury Hotel, Phoenix Arizona, Romantic Getaway, Family-Friendly, Accessible Restaurants, On-Site Amenities, Free Wi-Fi, Pool With A View, Fitness Center)
First off, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. Turns out, the Royal Palms mostly delivers. The wheelchair accessibility is advertised, and they seemed to take it seriously. The elevator was a lifesaver (thank god!), and navigating the public areas was relatively smooth. I spotted accessible parking (yay!), and they even had some facilities for disabled guests listed. But here’s the thing: I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I did spot a few potential snags. Some of the pathways between buildings felt a little… uneven. Not a dealbreaker, but something to consider. And hey, the exterior corridor access to some rooms felt a little… exposed.
Then, the accessibility to on-site accessible restaurants / lounges – this is where it gets a little trickier. The main restaurant, T. Cook's, seemed accessible, but I’d recommend giving them a call beforehand to confirm specific seating arrangements. Because sometimes, you know, a beautifully designed space doesn’t always translate perfectly to real-world usability.
Internet Access and Wi-Fi (Free, In All Rooms!): Praise be! Finally, a hotel that understands the importance of staying connected. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And it actually worked. No buffering, no dropped connections, just blissful browsing and video calls. Thank you, Royal Palms, for understanding the modern necessity. And no, I did not test the Internet [LAN] - who uses that anymore?!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (aka, Spa Time!): This is where the Royal Palms really shines. Okay, let's be honest, I'm a sucker for a good spa day. And the spa at the Royal Palms? Amazing. I went full-on relaxation mode.
- Spa/Sauna and Steamroom: The perfect pre-massage ritual. Stepping into that steamroom felt like sinking into a cloud. Pure bliss.
- Pool with View: And speaking of bliss, the swimming pool - especially when the sun starts to set! Utterly gorgeous. A truly stunning Pool with a View.
- Massage: Oh, the massage. I opted for a deep tissue (because my back is basically a knot these days). The therapist was skilled, the ambiance was perfect (soft music, aromatherapy… the works), and I walked out feeling like a different person. A relaxed, happy person. You HAVE to try the Body Scrub and Body Wrap!
- Fitness Center & Gym/Fitness: Look, I intended to use the gym/fitness center, I really did. But that massage? It kind of took over. It looked decent, though – modern equipment, plenty of space. Maybe next time, eh?
Cleanliness and Safety (COVID-19 Era): Alright, let's get serious. This is a big deal right now. The Royal Palms clearly took some precautions, but let’s break down the details:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays: Check, check, and check. They were claiming to do the work, which I appreciate.
- Hand sanitizer stations were readily available, and staff were wearing masks. The staff trained in safety protocol,
- Safe dining setup… They did use Individual-wrapped food options at the breakfast bar.
- Cashless payment service. The breakfast takeaway service was also available.
- Room sanitization opt-out available — nice option.
- What I didn't see, or what I'd love to see more of: I only saw a couple of Sterilizing equipment, and I'd like to see a little more emphasis on air quality. Hygiene certification is a good marker, but I'd love to see what the certificate is.
- Did I feel completely safe? Nah. I mean, the world is a crazy place right now. But I felt reasonably safe, and that's something!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Food Glorious Food!): Now for the important stuff: the grub! If you are coming to eat, come hungry.
- T. Cook's - Ah, the main restaurant. The Asian breakfast was good (but I was hoping for a wider variety of international cuisine. I guess that is what Alternative meal arrangement is for!) The Buffet in restaurant was nice but I was hoping for more western foods as well, so if you want Western breakfast, you might need to order a la carte) I can assure you the A la carte in restaurant is also good and that the Salad in restaurant were fresh. But the main courses were absolutely delicious
- Poolside bar: Gotta give it to them, it was well stocked and refreshing.
- Room service [24-hour]: A godsend. Especially after those spa treatments when you just want to collapse.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop: Yep, got my caffeine fix.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area - essential in Phoenix!
- Concierge: Super helpful, always ready with recommendations and reservations.
- Dry cleaning and Laundry service: Convenient for those longer stays.
- Elevator: Definitely a plus!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Appreciated.
- Luggage storage: Handy.
- Smoking area: For those who partake.
- Terrace: Great for enjoying the Arizona sunshine.
For The Kids:
- Family/child friendly, Kids meal - the hotel felt welcoming to families.
- Babysitting service - If you need some alone time.
Available in All Rooms (The Nitty Gritty of the Rooms):
- Air conditioning: Yes! Thank goodness!
- Bathtub – I love a good soak, and the one in my room was perfect.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping in.
- Coffee/tea maker: Morning routine sorted.
- Free bottled water: Dehydration is a real threat in the desert.
- Hair dryer: Yay for not having to pack my own!
- In-room safe box: For valuables.
- Internet access – wireless: Free Wi-Fi, again a win.
- Mini bar: Temptation central. Be careful!
- Non-smoking rooms.
- Shower - very nice!
- Soundproofing - I never heard a thing!
- Toiletries: Good quality stuff.
- Wake-up service: Reliable.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Again, hurray!
- Window that opens: A bonus for fresh air!
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Plenty of parking.
The Imperfections & My Honest Take:
Okay, so the Royal Palms isn’t perfect. I had a few minor quibbles.
- The room decorations were lovely, but the soundproofing wasn't the greatest. I definitely heard some noise from the hallway.
- My room was a little dark, actually, the reading light was great!
- Sometimes the service, the Daily housekeeping, could feel a little slow.
- There were a few Pets allowed unavailable, but I'm not a pet owner.
Overall:
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the imperfections, the Royal Palms is a beautiful, relaxing, mostly-accessible oasis. It’s a great choice for a romantic getaway, a spa-centric vacation, or even a family trip (as long as you're aware of the potential accessibility considerations). It's not exactly a budget stay, but you definitely get what you pay for. But, hey, no place is really "paradise," right? It's more like a pretty good escape, and sometimes… that’s all you need.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars!
Escape to Paradise: Baymont by Wyndham Troy (AL) - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… my potential disaster zone, masquerading as a luxury spa vacation at the Royal Palms in Phoenix. Honestly, I'm probably going to screw something up. But hey, that's the fun, right?
Royal Palms, Here I Come (Maybe): A Seriously Unplanned Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Accidental Sunburn… Already?
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Ugh, airports. The symphony of screaming toddlers and the existential dread of overpriced Cinnabons. Anyway, I'm armed with a book, noise-canceling headphones, and a stubborn refusal to make eye contact. Pray for me.
- 1:45 PM - Rental Car Debacle: Okay, let's be honest, I'm a terrible driver. Pray for everyone else. The car rental process will probably involve me arguing with a kiosk, losing my keys, and then finally, grudgingly, accepting a tiny, fuel-efficient car that I will inevitably scrape against something. The thought of driving in the desert makes me nervous.
- 3:00 PM - Check-in at Royal Palms. Fingers crossed the room is ready. If it's not, I have a feeling I'll unleash my inner Karen, which I try to avoid. I'm picturing swaying palm trees, elegant arches, and… a serious question: do they have fluffy bathrobes? That's crucial intel.
- 3:30 PM - "Exploring" the Resort - AKA Getting Lost. "Exploring" is a strong word. Let's call it wandering aimlessly, likely ending up at the pool. I'll probably get distracted by the beautifully landscaped grounds and the promise of cocktails delivered directly to my… chaise lounge.
- 4:00 PM - Poolside… Catastrophe. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! I swear I put some on. But I live in England, where sun is a mythical beast. I'm already turning a lovely shade of lobster. This may derail ALL plans for the spa.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at T. Cook's: The famous restaurant. I've read the reviews, and I'm both excited and terrified. The food is supposed to be divine… and the prices are probably eye-watering. I'm also notoriously indecisive, so menu-browsing will be a saga. I might end up ordering the most expensive thing just because I can't make a decision. And I might accidentally spill something on myself in this beautiful place.
- 8:00 PM - Evening Stroll & Existential Crisis: Time to wander around the grounds again, maybe staring at the stars (if I can find them through the city lights). I'll likely have a moment of "Am I really here? Is this real life?” Followed by a deep dive questioning my life choices.
Day 2: Spa Day & Dessert Nirvana (Maybe Not Nirvana)
- 8:00 AM - Wake Up & Regret the Day Before: That sunburn is really kicking in. I can't decide if I should get the aloe vera immediately or tough it out.
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at T. Cook's (Again?): Because why not be decadent? I'm thinking a lavish breakfast. Because it's vacation, and calories don't count here, right? Except they do. I have to face it: I'm going to need a swimsuit that hides my post-breakfast fullness.
- 10:00 AM - Spa Time! (Finally): The Casita Spa. I'm praying for a massage that will completely erase all the stress I've accumulated. I'm hoping for a therapist who doesn't mind if I snore (I do that.) I'm hoping for… blissful silence. (Yeah, right). This might be the highlight of the trip, and I'm scared of messing it up, so I'll probably arrive way too early and pace nervously.
- 12:00 PM - Poolside Lunch (If I Can Move): Will I be able to enjoy the poolside lunch, or will the sunburn be my constant companion? I might avoid the sun altogether and eat something safely inside.
- 2:00 PM - Afternoon Adventures: The Desert Botanical Garden?: Or maybe not. I'll have to see how the burn is. I'm a creature of habit and would much prefer to stay by the pool, read a book, and sip on something fruity. I'm nothing if not predictable.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner. Decision Fatigue sets in Oh, the tyranny of choice! This will probably involve me staring blankly at a menu for an hour, consulting with the waiter, and then ultimately ordering something I didn't really want. I'll probably go for a burger (always a safe choice).
- 7:00 PM - The Dessert Dilemma! Will I allow myself dessert? The answer is almost certainly yes. The question is: what kind?! Chocolate? Fruity? Nutty? The possibilities are endless. I'm practically salivating at the thought. This could get dangerous.
- 8:00 PM - Sunset? Another attempt to watch the sunset. Maybe I'll actually remember to bring my camera this time. Or maybe I'll just get hopelessly lost again while trying to find the ideal viewing spot.
Day 3: Goodbye… and Good Riddance to My Sunburn!
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast at T. Cook's: This is the last hurrah. I'll take a long, leisurely breakfast, savoring every bite and trying not to think about the impending return to reality.
- 10:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunting: I'm probably going to scramble to find something to bring back home. Something authentic! Something memorable! Something that doesn't scream "tourist trap!" Good luck, me.
- 11:00 AM - Check Out: The dreaded moment. I'll probably linger in the room as long as humanly possible, trying to delay the inevitable.
- 11:30 AM - Attempt to Avoid the Rental Car Debacle (Again): Will I have enough time to return the car without getting lost or, worse, hitting something? The suspense is killing me.
- 1:00 PM - Flight Home: Back to real life. I'll spend the flight reflecting on my trip, vowing to eat healthier, exercise more, and, most importantly, wear more sunscreen. (I'm already planning the next vacation!).
Bonus Rambles & Imperfections:
- The Weather: Okay, let's be honest, I'm terrified of the heat. I'm British. We're not equipped for this. I'm secretly hoping for a bit of cloud cover. A gentle breeze would be a godsend.
- The Pool: The pool! I'm a terrible swimmer. I'll probably mostly stick to the shallow end and try not to embarrass myself in front of all the glamorous people. I'll spend a lot of time judging their swimwear, I'm sure.
- Packing: I'm a chronic over-packer. My suitcase will be overflowing with things I don't need and understocked on essentials. I'll forget to pack something crucial, like, oh, my toothbrush or my sanity.
- Emotions: I'm going to feel a whole range of emotions, from sheer bliss to mild panic. I might laugh, I might cry, I might get grumpy, and I’ll probably get sunburnt. It's all part of the adventure!
So there you have it: My almost-certainly-to-be-rambling, potentially-disastrous, and hopefully-enjoyable vacation itinerary for the Royal Palms. Wish me luck! I'll need it. And bring me back some chocolate. Please.
Victoria's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Oasis Awaits!
Okay, so Royal Palms... Worth the Hype or Just Another Instagram Trap?
Alright, lemme tell you, Royal Palms is... complicated. See, the pictures are gorgeous. That courtyard? Dreamy. But real life, my friends, is rarely as perfectly curated as an influencer's feed. I went in with *high* expectations, fueled by a hefty dose of wanderlust and the unwavering belief that I *deserved* a luxurious escape. And... well, I think I got *mostly* what I wanted.
The courtyard, it's true. Stunning. We sat there, sipping on ridiculously overpriced cocktails *because, you know, vacation*. And I swear, at one point, I thought I saw a hummingbird. Probably just wishful thinking, because I hadn't had enough caffeine yet that morning.
But the room? Okay, here's where we hit a slight snag. It was lovely, don't get me wrong. But the air conditioning sounded like a particularly grumpy walrus. And the bathroom? Gorgeous tile, yes, but the water pressure? Let's just say I spent a good five minutes trying to rinse the conditioner out of my hair, and I'm pretty sure I used more water than a small farm. (I *did* complain, by the way. They offered to move us, but I was settling in at that point. Plus, who wants to pack and unpack on their vacation? Ugh.) So, worth the hype? Mostly. But with a few caveats. Bring earplugs and a deep conditioner. Trust me.
What's the Deal with the Pool Scene? Is it as Relaxing as it Looks? (Or am I gonna be fighting off screaming kids?)
The pool. Ah, the pool. This is *crucial*. I'm a serious pool person. Give me a book, a cold drink, and some sunshine, and consider me a happy clam. This place has a pool. Excellent start!
Okay, so, the pool *itself* is beautiful. The landscaping is lush, with those swaying palm trees that everyone loves to photograph. And, thankfully, I *mostly* avoided the screaming kid situation. There were kids, of course. It *is* a resort, after all. But the vibe felt pretty relaxed. At least, until the guy next to me decided to *loudly* explain his theory about the stock market. Seriously, dude? Can I just enjoy my sunbathing in peace?
The chairs are comfy, and the staff is generally attentive. They actually brought me extra towels *before* I even asked, which is a HUGE win in my book. So, yes, the pool *can* be relaxing. Just be prepared to occasionally tune out the investment advice and the splashing of the tiny humans. And maybe bring noise-canceling headphones. Just in case.
That Restaurant! The Alvadora! What's the Food *Really* Like? Is it Worth the Price Tag?
Alright, Alvadora. The *food*. This is where things get interesting. I'd done my research – you *have* to, right? - and had read glowing reviews, gushing over the romantic atmosphere. It's definitely romantic, especially if you're willing to squint and ignore that guy at the next table who's clearly trying to impress his date by talking *loudly* about... well, I don't even remember. Something about trust funds and private jets.
The food itself? Look, it's good. *Very* good. My starter (I forget what it was, to be honest, other than a beautiful explosion of colors and textures) was exquisite. The presentation? Chef's kiss. My main course, however… well, it *was* delicious, but was it *life-changing*? Eh. Maybe not. And let's be honest, the prices? Eye-watering. I'm not saying it's *overpriced*, exactly, because the quality of the ingredients is clear. But you're definitely paying for the ambiance and the experience, which, after my meal I spent a solid 10 minutes looking through my bank statements. It’s the kind of place you go to for a special occasion, not your Tuesday night dinner. I'm still debating whether it was worth it. Probably yes... but I'd need a serious discount code next time!
Spa Day - a Must-Do or a Waste of Money? Give Me the Honest Truth!
Okay. The spa. This is where I went all-in. I'm talking full-on indulgence. Massage, facial, the whole shebang. And, friends, I'm here to report: it was *amazing*.
Now, I've had some *rough* spa experiences in my life. One time, the massage therapist clearly hated her job and kept sighing dramatically. Another time, the facial gave me a breakout that lasted for a week. So, I was, shall we say, cautiously optimistic. But the spa at Royal Palms? Pure bliss. The atmosphere was serene, the therapists were professional and attentive, and the treatments were… well, they were *heavenly*. I got a massage that melted away all the tension I didn't even realize I was carrying, and a facial that left my skin glowing. When I left, I felt like I had been reborn. Okay, maybe a *slight* exaggeration, but still, it was fantastic!
Sure, it was expensive. Spa days *always* are. But in this case, it was worth every penny. If you can swing it, go for it. Treat yourself. You deserve it. Just be prepared to feel so relaxed, you'll probably need a nap afterwards, which, you know, isn't a bad thing on vacation.
What's in the Area? Any Things to Do Besides Lounging by the Pool?
Well, my focus was firmly planted on the pool, the spa, and the general act of *not* doing anything. But, believe it or not, there *is* life outside the resort. If you're the, like, *active* type, you could try hiking (I heard there's some seriously cool desert scenery around Phoenix), or maybe even golfing if you're into that sort of torture.
I, on the other hand, ventured out once. I decided to try that fancy, art-filled, farmers-market thing. It was a *bit* outside my comfort zone. I nearly choked on a rogue olive being swiped from a sample, and wandered around feeling slightly out of place. I did find a cool piece of art that was definitely above my pay-grade. So, there's that. I then retreated back to the hotel, where I got a burger by the pool-which was *perfect*. So, yeah, there's stuff to do. But the pool is *right there*, you know?
Overall, Would You Go Back?
Hmm... That's the big question, isn't it? Honestly? Yes. Despite the grumpy walrus AC situation and the slightly-too-pricey dinners, I *loved* it. The setting is drop-dead gorgeous, the staff is friendly, and the spa is pure magic.
But here's the thing: go in with realistic expectations. It's not perfect. There might be a slightly annoying guest or a noisy air conditioner or too much money spent on food after a long day. But ifSave On Hotels Now
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